While it won’t work for every type of business, I’ve wondered at times why more people don’t set up a stall and sell through a local market place.
Recently talking with Kelly Goltz from Kiki – The Hippie Shop on the Self Starter Podcast, it resurfaced the question of why more people aren’t giving it a go?
In Australia specifically, there are regular markets scattered all over the country in both metro and rural areas. Some are restricted to certain types of items (handcrafted, clothes, produce), however there are many that have an open door to most types of goods being sold.
Like any decision you make, you should always plan ahead to get an understanding of the area, the demographic and whether your product or service is suited for those people. Putting that aside however, the opportunities of high traffic and face to face feedback from the general public is absolutely valuable in the early stages of your business.
You might not sell a single thing, but the brand exposure and opportunity to connect with the locals in that area could be Self Starter gold.
Hiring out a site at a local markets is generally an easy process. Most markets ask for a set fee, and the earlier you can book yourself in and the more times you go, the more flexibility you will have with the organiser. Organisers will generally want you to have your own public liability insurance, however check with the organiser to see whether they have alternative options of coverage by paying a slightly higher stall fee.
Approach a market like a networking event that allows you to sell your product at the same time. You can converse with other store holders, exchange business cards, look at business to business opportunities, talk with passers by, have giveaways, demonstrations and special deals on the day to give your market appearance exclusivity.
Don’t just think that markets are reserved for arts and crafts, jams, textiles, plants and fruit. Play in a band? Get your CDs, merch, listening station, free promo, download cards and more. Have a new gadget that you think will help others improve their quality of life? Bring it along to do demonstrations and take people’s email addresses for follow up at a later date. Got a Kickstarter? Get it straight to the people! Make your market stall a social event and a hub of activity. Be a magnet!
The possibilities are truly endless.
The markets can be a great low cost option to test the waters and build your community from the ground up.
Have you ever tried a market stall? What were your experiences and did you do anything differently to get people’s attention?